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Sustainability is a common theme in the cleaning industry. By incorporating cleaning products and processes that are sustainable — providing environmental, social and economic benefits over their entire life cycle — facility managers are doing their part to be environmentally responsible.

Why is sustainability important?

Focusing on sustainability has several benefits beyond just helping the environment, such as qualifying for United States Green Building Council (USGBC) certification programs for sustainable buildings, called Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). There are a number of LEED categories that partnering with a sustainable floor care company like milliCare can help facility managers achieve.

Water efficiency: “Maximize water efficiency and reduce the burden on water supply and waste water systems.”

Materials and resources: “Reduce construction waste, use materials with high-recycled content and consider local materials to minimize transportation costs.”

Indoor environmental quality: “Green materials and green cleaning procedures that are healthier for custodians, occupants and the environment.”

But one aspect of sustainability that should not be overlooked is resilience.

Why is resilience important?

Resilience is the ability to bounce back after a disaster occurs. According to the U.S. Resiliency Council (USRC), resilience is the new sustainability, as the most sustainable building is one that does not have to be rebuilt. Following that same logic, the resiliency of building materials is a valuable aspect of sustainability, as the most sustainable building material (i.e. flooring) is the one that doesn’t have to be replaced. Focusing on quality then is an aspect of sustainability that cannot be ignored — perhaps the most important aspect. Make a practice of incorporating resilience into your sustainability plans.

How does resilience apply to the cleaning industry?

The concept of resilience doesn’t just apply to purchasing quality materials; maintenance is one of the most important aspects of resilience and sustainability. Keeping building materials out of landfills should be a top priority, driving your maintenance plan. For example, a milliCare Care Plan can extend the life of your flooring for up to 10 years while also saving significant resources.

Contact us today to learn more about how milliCare can help your facility increase its sustainability and resilience.

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Technical Director

Stephen is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario with a degree in mechanical engineering. As technical director, Stephen manages all equipment, methods, and products used to provide milliCare services. Stephen is a certified Senior Carpet Inspector by the Floor Covering Institute of Technical Services as well as an IICRC Master Textile Cleaner and Approved Instructor. He is also a Facility Management Journal award recipient for excellence in writing and an ISSA Green Cleaning Professional.